Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development
“Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania
Vol (I), No.1, 2014
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Albanian transition - the contrast between eastern mentality and
european identity
Afrim Krasniqi
“Alexander Moisiu” University, Durrës, Albania
Coresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
During the last two decades leading Albanian political actors have developed political activity based on
two parallel indicator: western formal models and marketing electoral programs, as well as eastern oriental
model in the way they have designed and developed policy, elections, internal democracy and public
discourse. Being correct to western formal models came as foreign imposition, as needed impersonation in
terms of lack of experience and practical knowledge, as well as the response of major civic expectations.
The conclusion of this material is that we are dealing with continuous coexistence between Western model
in programs and eastern model in practical implementation of these programs. Practical application of a
parallel political system, in values, methods and political discourse was due to domestic consumption
needs, fragility in the formation of political culture, local recognition of the dominant methods in politics
and the pursuit of short-term political goals.
This thesis paper aims to analyze the formal western presentation of the two main political parties and
their leaders during the transition, and to make this analysis in comparative relation to feeds and real
features in daily political activity. Part of the study are the programs and the most important political
positions, international relations associated with the level of democracy and the role of political parties in
shaping a democratic, professional studies in the field of political behavior and political discourse.
Keywords: parties, political behavior, identity, political discourse, West, East
Introduction
In Albanian politics the concept "East - West" has a dual
explanation: as a European political map split by ideological
boundaries of the Cold War, and under the historical
division between western and oriental cultures inherited
from the division made during the beginning of the last
century with the fall two great empires, the Ottoman and
Austro Hungarian. In the first explanation there is no
dilemma that Albania has been one of the most fanatical
countries of the communist east, with a unique pattern
within this part of Europe. In the second explanation exist
different opinions but the most dominant one is that of
western view of affiliation. The debate over the second
identity began in the ‘30s with Konica, Maloki, Fishta,
Frasheri, Noli, etc. and reached one of the roofs of the
Albanian elite debate of the first half of the last century.
Each of them defended the thesis that Albanians culturally,
politically and geographically belong to Occidental Western
civilization. These were harsh criticism of oriental models,
in which "the politician sees the world as an inexhaustible
source of tools, hobbies and prettiness and uses them in
every way and method" that for his ideals has “armchair and
chunks” and in order to reach them "he uses every tool" [1].
After the fall of the Iron Curtain and the opening to the
integration processes the debate about identity returned, now
in an environment with different flows and interest. Even in
this case dominant is the thesis protected by the most
popular pens of public debate, Kadare and Xhaferi, on
Western affiliation of the old and new Albanian identity
Kadare protects fully convinced Western identity, but
meanwhile, does not hesitate to say that "our modest country
is now in that area which is called as the outer court of
Europe [2].
Another minority defended the position between two
cultures and two identities, i.e. a society and nation of mixed
identity, between East and West. At the core of these
debates, despite the 70 to 80 years distance, the differences
between public and historical argument are minimal, the
arguments are the same and the Albanian case is seen as an
exception case in other regional models, especially Slavic
neighbors to the north, east and southeast.
Integrating aspirations vs. integrating culture
The debate over political identity was left out of the political
changes that happened during the 1990. The dilemma of
identity and the striving for a unique identity, outside two
assumed identities, was unified with the view of the
outgoing regime, according to which , "Albania was neither
east nor west " (Alia , 1990), that’s why it deserved a special
treatment by institutions and Western countries. Dilemma
thesis was seen as an alibi of the regime for refusing
democratization, liberalization and allowing multiparty
system. By achieving pluralism this alibi fell and young
politicians dominating the public rhetoric changed
dictionary, trying to seek more and more Europe as an
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Albanian transition - the contrast between …
A.Krasniqi
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identity, as a project, as a community and belonging. This is
individual, of the confront to the won liberties and the
the reason why in the first political programs of pluralism
controversial limits of its misuse.
each political party referred to the European integration
Lack of political will and determination to follow 100 % the
processes as long-term aspiration and national interest. This
Western model, western practice and behavior in active
is why the main student’s slogans in 1990 was: "Albania like
politics emerges even in the confronting of the balance
Europe”, implying that prohibited Europe in the image,
between normality and conflict periods. Transition testified
system, behavior and culture, along the half- century period
that whenever politics was in dialogue, cooperation,
of the east communist regime.
compromise and mutual respect political actors showed
All this process has a common indicator: the apparent lack
maturity, political culture and rhetoric worthy of a place
of experience, democratic tradition and of clarity in concepts
with clear Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Every time that
how Albania will become like Europe. More than two
happened the opposite, there was a boycott, crisis, fierce
generations of citizens were born and raised in antidebates and rhetoric and political conflicts, the same
European concept, the unity of the West with the enemy, the
political actors embraced all negative vices of traditional
evil, threat and the source of the potential assimilation. The
rejectionist denigrating policy in the Balkans. The latter
same generations would find it difficult to separate from this
increasingly labeled by the media, by the politicians, by
culture of thinking and being something that they were not
observer groups, researchers or international relations, as
and could not have been so as devotees of the West.
politics with negative source, oriental, eastern, so basically
At the stage when the country was faced with the demands
the opposite of the cultural identity claimed from the
of the integration process, then emerged the big gaps and
Albanians during the century.
misunderstandings. Integration aspirations were not enough,
Because the transition is dominated more by the second form
achievement and standards were needed but Albanian
of political behavior, it has managed to be imposed more as
politics was neither capable nor prepared to meet them.
an identity of political culture of the Albanian political elite.
That’s why the integration process, in the first phase came in
The ambassador of Denmark, Karsten Jensen, one of the
the form of imposed standards and projects, that were ready
most stable and old European democracies illustrates better
and imitated by other former communist countries, in an
and more directly this feature of the Albanian politics:
effort to meet the great expectations of citizens. The political
"Albanian politics lacks appreciation for the common
actors imitated in details their counterparts in other
interest, so necessary for Albania to have success ... Politics
countries. For example, the first programs of political parties
is focused on individual and personal interests. Think about
are translations, phrases for foreign politics, human rights
it! How often do you hear a politician talk about Albanian
and rule of law are also similar, anticommunist political
national interest, and for the good of the country? Albanian
speeches were in fashion everywhere, rallies and militant
politics is about DP, SP, ISM and many other abbreviations
behavior of the electorate were also expected.
that make up the view of Albanian politics, and more often
The disappointment of local politics by citizens
about those who personify these abbreviations. It is rarely
paradoxically, created a climate of dependency on
heard that Albanian politicians express their opinions and
integration , thus increasing integration myth , a myth that is
their visions for Albania as a nation and what can all
not criticized , not rejected , not debated and there is no
Albanians or future generations benefit".
doubt on it. This made infinitely acceptable, the need for
In support of this critical process came the fact that the West
intervention from outside. Rarely could have happened in a
itself constantly changed its level of presentation in the
former communist country, that western political, national or
Albanian public. Let's look at the example of the EU and the
institutional forces have been so active, invited and decisive
European Parliament. During the first decade Albania was
to important local political decisions as in Albania . The
covered by Western well known politicians, German,
most pro-Western country in the region became the oasis of
British, Austrian or French. During the second decade there
gross importing of the western model and counsel. Unlike
is a drop of the "standard" or geopolitical shift, and
the societies with highest democratic level, in the Albanian
consequently, coverage mainly by regional politicians from
political society, this phenomenon did not come in the
Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Slovenia and Croatia. This
horizontal form, but vertical, i.e. from above, through
normal change in terms of EU enlargement actually affects
decisions, through the imposition of official and political
the strength of the western message in Tirana. Fischer
acts, through the constitution, laws, rules, etc. There were
researcher confirms the mutual duality when he says that
some cases where advice and western project was identified
"repeating the drawing of a line in the sand - even when this
by local projects which created overlapping or displacement
line is crossed, pulling another - the international community
of priorities.
has become increasingly less effective" (Fischer, 2013).
In the second period of transition, when some regional
countries joined the EU, the Albanian public, especially in
Local Vision vs. willingness to Europe
Coping with "European Albania" as was intended and the
policy decision-making, the EU continues to be identified as
results of local resources created a parallel system: rhetoric,
something else, as a western project of the axis Paris - Berlin
image, statement and laws of Western models and in front of
- London - Washington. Contrast is deep: Albanian majority
them, political behavior, thoughts and mentalities far from
wants to be treated by the “true" West, the founder of the EU
these models. For purposes of consumption and daily
and NATO, while the latter, treats us the "other" West, the
political interest politicians created in general a dual black
one recently created by the success of our neighbors witch
and white reading system of political developments, of the
till yesterday were former communist countries, namely East
vote and citizen sovereignty, of the report of the state to the
Europe. The contrast in the form of report directly between
Tirana and Brussels is acknowledged by the latter, too.
63
Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development
“Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania
Vol (I), No.1, 2014
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Danish Ambassador Jensen in Albania says, “Not
alibi for failures, as well as the citizens themselves who
understanding what the EU is is also the result of a political
unconditionally trusted their future to the big Euro -Atlantic
culture which reduces important social issues, including the
project. The thesis is supported by Surroi according to which
EU, to personal internal wars, pure slurs or propaganda. EU
"political elites in Albania and Kosovo as the escape of the
is complicated. It’s all about giving and taking, but, for
topics of debate have found the slogan “will join the EU" (
Albania, take, is always more than you give, certainly in
Surroi, 2012). The same logic also includes other
terms of honest and unremitting Albanians.... This is not a
researchers: "Paradoxically, it was precisely the political
hereditary disease of the Albanian politics. Kosovo, which
class, even though delegitimized increasingly from within,
faces greater challenges than Albania itself, appeared less of
from its citizens, sought legitimization from outside and this,
these features" (Jensen, 2012).
in fact, “was acceptable" by Brussels. Beyond verbal
commitment to Europe, its standards and institutions" and
joins the thesis that “the orientation of the Albanian political
Expectations from the elites vs. responsibility to elites
Political elites could change their behavior if they would
elite towards Europe was not for idealistic reasons or
face a public active society, critical voices that impose
philosophically motivated, but playing the card of
respect and whether the public would be identified with the
integration in the EU, its only goal was to legitimize and
citizen sovereignty in a democracy. The debate about
extend its power". (Gjuraj , 2013).
whether citizens govern politics or the opposite, often in
Such developments were not typical only in Albania, but the
Albania is dominated by the second thought. Criticism that
crisis such as that of 1997 or events like those of 2011 set it
politics is behind the citizens remains present in most
apart from other democracies with similar features and give
international reports on Albania.
material to critics to question the our ability of commitment
In conditions when the dilemma follows, the Albanian case
to rule of law and functional democracy. The debate
demonstrates that politics remains dominant but it has not
between the parties to the European vision has value when
ever produced elite debate in society. It, of daily or electoral
the parties have a difference in programs and behavior. In
needs, is involved in elite debates, such as cases of debate on
Albania, the parties have the same programs and the same
European identity, the debate over the Second World War,
behavior, so debates are improvised, often beyond reality
the debate about historical figures. Basically, in all cases it
and political motives of the day.
turns out that its inclusion is mainly to tag the other political
party or one party elites in debates, then to just using the
West as a merit vs. West as a gift
debate as an electoral tool for votes. Most significant cases
Analysis of political behavior over two decades to the
in the interests of security, such as relations with Greece and
"West" and "East" has its own symbolism in 2008 when
Turkey, accompanied by more extreme reactions in most
thank of the visible U.S. support Albania was admitted to
deferential statements, are the product of the quantitative
NATO . The decision was made just days after occurred the
standard (votes), not quality (elite) by political actors.
tragedy of Gerdeci, because of which was dismissed all the
Relationship between political elites and citizens, the
domes of the military leadership. Membership was seen as a
dilemma which is the most European , most cultured and
U.S. gift for the Albania's role in the war against terror and
less educated is a topic of debate not only among politicians.
as an encouragement for the future. Such donation models
The researcher Duka says that “the Albanian urban part is
often are risked to be identified as integration standards.
civilized" and finds the difference between European
Albanian case is an example of this. Admission thesis "as we
citizens and the Albanian one to the relation of the respect
are" was used by the former regime in the late 80s, was used
they have towards society and the state (Duka, 2012). The
in 1991 for admission to the CSCE, in 1994 for admission to
well-known scholar of Albanian politics and issues Bernd
the CoE (the only accepted place where the opposition
Fischer advances criticism and makes the historical contrasts
leader was in prison), in 2008 the acceptance in NATO and
between almost identical regimes. According to him, "there
continues to be the main argument in 2012 and 2013 for
is a substantial disconnect between a part of the political
receiving of the candidate statute for the European Union.
elite of Tirana and people ... A part of the political elite have
Attempting to replace the merit system in the assessment of
always believed that people are simple , they really do not
Albania with a donation system by state / main western
understand what is in their best and thus need to be
countries actually creates the wrong vision for a different
addressed as they were children . These concepts created
Europe from standard Western Europe. Consequently, the
ahead of time and not based on experience or knowledge
unanimous and standard discourse pro European and
may have a basis during the Ottoman and the early Zogist
Atlantic integration imposes deviation from our religious or
period" (Fischer , 2013).
cultural argument, from our passed inheritance and that of
Other authors have the responsibility among the elite and
the region, accompanied by minimizing identity indicators
citizen, though not equally. "Transition is a process that
and maximizing formal political balances.
must be attended from all but the political elite is the most
Let us illustrate with an example: the U.S. remains our
important" - he says. (Biberaj, 2011). Political elite before
strategic partner and most important ally, but relations have
and during the transition "has been highly associated with
experienced ups and downs depending on the daily policy
power and status quo to be the engine of change;
interests of the political class in Tirana. When American
consequently, it has often served as a wheel "(Kajsiu, 2013).
diplomats or administration criticize a government, they face
Referring Albanian experience, both parties, political elites
a stream of accusations on behalf of local sovereignty, when
and citizens had short-term benefits, politicians misused
they support a government the same politicians do the
civic commitment to integration as an electoral flag as an
opposite, use and abuse the U.S. card to legitimize their own
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Albanian transition - the contrast between …
A.Krasniqi
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local actions. Political force which asked first restoring
his office and slaughtered a sacrificial in public place - an
relations with U.S. was also the first political force that
old oriental rite. In 2013, his political rival, at that time a
asked the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador from Tirana
candidate and today a prime minister, his main political
(1997, 2008, 2012) and vice versa, the political forces that
manifesto on the eve of the electoral campaign titled
originally was against American involvement in internal
“Sacrificial ", a label with the same meaning as his rival.
politics became the main supporter of including Albania in
The nomination" Orientalist " is an insult, attack and a
anti-terror operations and as a peacekeeping in Iraq or
crossing of the normal border of political charges for the
Afghanistan.
Socialist Party leader, Edi Rama,. According to him, “they
This dual behavior often creates the impression that the
said about me a lot of nonsense, putting me the last label that
rhetoric of our loyalty to the U.S. and EU are and still
had remained without putting, as an Orientalist" (Rama,
remain superficial, change depending on the daily interest
2013). Even further, the analysis of political discourse of the
and short term goals of the next government - something
main political rivals, the major parties and parliamentary
critical to our real commitment to western standard values.
speeches, expressions like "Anatolian, sultan, yashmak,
Efendi, Bey, Pasha, mercenary, Oriental, Byzantine or
medieval" - in negative use, are almost permanent. During
Accidental suit vs. oriental mentality
Researcher Sinani rightly writes: "We want and we are
the 2013 election year they were used at least 34 times by
supposed to be Occidental, but have often thought as
two political leaders in the discourse against each other,
Oriental. When we become ourselves ... will join Western
while the two presented themselves as European alternative
values ". (Sinani, 2012). Practically the whole "European"
of Albania.
identifier process turned out to be long, complex and feature
Dual political behaviors are also expressed in tools that
dual behavior and double standard for acts with the same
politic uses for public communication, especially in election
meaning in state politics. For example, they are still
campaigns. In western models are dominant the
maintaining commitment for more than two decades to join
communication with citizens, social networks, youth trends,
NATO, KE, OSBE, EU, etc., while the decision to enter the
public responsibility, sense of measure, secret votes and
Islamic Conference was taken within an extremely short
competition through ideas. In Albania, despite Western
time, without public and political consultation, without
rhetoric, policy tools were and are other: mass rallies,
transparency, even without formal support of electoral
populist speeches, threats to another, etc. We used the social
programs of either parties'.
networks only in two elections (2011-2013), so, this means
Each party promised opening of the country in response to
that they were used too late; among youth trends and
long isolation, but each political party used its arrivals,
traditional folk with oriental notes we proceed to choose the
especially Islamic or Arab as critical identities of the other
latter, rhetoric is and remains personal, demeaning,
party. The same critical behavior used for Western models,
offensive, exclusionary, new courageous ideas encounter
as for example, Masonic movement, anti-globalization
with the wall of the crowds that follow governments,
groups, or investments of any Western foundation - always
violence is not excluded as a political tool, and is
when it comes to label the other party. So the "European"
periodically part of rhetoric in politics, in parliament, in the
and aspiring parties to EU do not admit the possibility that
media, in public debates.
the other may be just as dedicated and true European, and
Fisher speaks for a democratic form of authoritarianism,
that’s why it requires from the other, eastern critical
meaning "a democratic system in form, but not democratic
identities or other labeling. This dual behavior and with two
in content. Elections are held, but they are not free and fair.
standards continues to produce unnecessary conflicts, delays
There are not political parties, but one party that dominates
in the reform process, has public cost and undermines public
for a long period. There is a Constitution that separates
confidence in democracy and its values.
governments, but the document is used only when it suits
Another important aspect in the dual behavior of the political
and the government is centralized in any case“, (Fischer,
elite are political relations with the Arab countries,
2013). By bringing his assessment for the governing model
especially Turkey. The latter is a member of NATO, rather
of Albanian republic and monarchy period of the 30s,
friendly with Albania, candidate country for EU, but in
remains a feature of yesterday and today its determination on
geopolitics carries the identity of the East. Although
the nature of the east - west of the official mentality,
relations between Albania and these countries have been and
product, conduct and Albanian official declaration.
are friendly, political leaders label each other for ottoman,
Yesterday and today we seem to have "a political duality
Arab or neo-ottoman belonging when they want to attack
between Western constitutionality and Oriental despotism,
and appear as western alternative. This behavior has its own
that could create a composed system of Western and eastern
explanation. The concept of Orientalism often is "based on
political ideas, perhaps more western in form and eastern in
Western prejudices about the fundamentally corrupted and
content " (Frashëri, 2013). The thesis of functioning state
degenerated nature of the Orientals and of the Orient"
and society "as in Ottoman times" (Elsie, 2012) in an
(Sulstarova, 2006, 60). This is expressed particularly in
environment of permanent bureaucratic corruption, with
political discourse and apparent separation between positive
incompetence in the administration of the country and
model (Western politician behavior) and negative model
decisions just based on personal knowledge of a number of
(abnormal behavior policies, corruption, tribal, eastern).
other authors, mostly foreigners, to whom Ottoman
Oriental practice of labeling as a tool to attack another, and
influence remains present in culture and shaping of the
both of dualism in political behavior was witnessed in the
social relations between the individual and the state.
two last elections. In 2011 the new mayor of the
Municipality of Tirana, now opposition leader, inaugurated
Conclusions
65
Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development
“Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania
Vol (I), No.1, 2014
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Albania as Europe” remains a political project without
5. Fischer. B. 2013. Intervistë. Gazeta “Dita”, 30 maj
opposition, is seen as a major national interest, considered a
6. Biberal, B. 2011. Top Channel 7.10.2011 Elez Biberaj
thesis of every political and electoral program in 23 years,
dhe “Shqipëria në Tranzicion”
however, the realization of this project still remains distant.
7. Duka.V. 2012 Shumica e historianëve nuk kanë të bëjnë
The changing of the political system became through several
me politikën. Interviste. Gazeta Start. 5.12.2012
events and acts which lasted for weeks or months (19908. Fischer. B. 2013 Intervistë. Gazeta “Dita”, 30 maj 2013
1991), but building a new political system was found to be
9. Fisher, B. 2012: Shqipnia po shkon mbrapsht ne
much longer process than was imagined in the beginning.
aspektin e demokracise, Gazetën Shqiptare, 22 dhjetor
Because the new political elites came from the old political
2012
elites as a product of the following or their political behavior
10. Kajsiu, B. 2013. Dritëhijet e mesazhit të 23 qershorit,
and its tools in achieving the goals were almost identical.
Panorama, 28 Qershor, 2013
Need for public consumption and dignified international
11. Surroi, V. 2012. Gazeta Tema, 28.11.2012
presentation imposed to political elite a formal correct
12. Gjuraj, T. 2013 Tranzicioni shqiptar dhe
behavior in relation to the slogans of European integration
ndërkombëtarët 21.12.2013, MAPO
and commitment, the need for votes and power within the
13. Frashëri. K. 2013. Analizë e Bernd Fischer, “Mbreti
country imposed to the same political elite incorrect political
Zog dhe përpjekja për stabilitet në Shqipëri,
behavior, contrary to Western standards and practices.
Shqiptarja.com, versioni print, dt.04.08.2013
Behavior as “Western" in statements and "East" on the long
14. Sulstarova, 2006. Personazhe orientaliste: Ali Pasha
road of implementation of these statements created great
dhe Xheladin Beu, në Politika&Shoqëria, 1 (16), 57-70.
misunderstandings between Western aspirations and its
15. Karsten Jensen. 2012. Intervistë, Përmbushni
minimal results.
potencialin. Mos pranoni asgjë më pak nga liderët! 7
The conclusion of the material is that we are dealing with
Janar 2012, Revista Java
continuous coexistence between Western model in programs
16. Fuga. A. 2013. Jetojmë në demokracinë e opinionit, jo
and eastern model in practical implementation of these
të vendimmarrës. Intervistë, Gazeta Start, 9.4.2013.
programs. The transition period created a dual system within
17. Sinani. Sh. 2013. Shqiptarët sot janë në thelb
the political system, different behaviors and often parallel
perëndimorë, por me një veshje orientale të karfosur
walking within the same formal commitment, and so created
fort. Intervistë, Gazeta Start, 18.3.2013.
the coexistence between rhetoric and concrete acts, between
18. Duka. V. 2012.Pjesa më e madhe e historianëve nuk
vision and behavior, between the slogan and means for its
kanë të bëjnë me politikën. Intervistë, Gazeta Start,
implementation. This coexistence conforms to a large extent
5.12.2012.
with dilemmas, crises and major debates in every cell of the
19. Sinani.Gj. 2012. Te filozofia gjej kuptimin e jetës.
Albanian society related to the affiliation and their future
Intervistë, Gazeta Start, 19.11.2012
between the West and the East. This dual system essentially
20. Arolda, E. 2004. “Albania in Transition: Manipulation
reflects the dilemmas of a society in transition and the yet
or Appropriation of International Norms?” Southeast
unfinished stage of political formulation, and takes values to
European Politics, Vol. V, No. 1.
better understand the critical balance of performance of the
21. Krasniqi, A. 2006 “Partitë Politike në Shqipëri (1920democratic process in Albania in relation to the maximalist
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expectations and promises of the first years of the transition.
22. Pëllumbi, S. 2013. “Integrimi dhe Nacionalizmi”,
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23. Meidani, R. 2005. “Integrimi i “jashtëm” dhe i
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66